Apparatus for and method of delivering molten glass



w. T. HoNlss 1,986,575

Filed April 5, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet l APPARATUS FoR AND METHOD oF DELIVERING MOLTEN GLASS F'QZ?. 23 23 Jan. 1,1935.

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Jan. 1', 1935. I w. T. HoNlss 15986575 APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF DELIVERING MOLTEN GLASS FiledVA April 5, 1952A 2 sheets-sheetz WM. .A AM. Mv

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF DELIVERING-r MOLTEN GLASS William T. Honiss, West Hartford, Conn., as-. signor to Hartford-Empire Company, Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Delaware v Application April 5,*1932, serial Np. 603,267 4 claims; (o1. 49-55) This invention relates to apparatus for and transfer of heat through such'walls. Installamethods of conducting molten glass from a melttion and replacement of a monolithic flow chaning tank, or like place of supply, to a delivery nel or conduit in a muied construction also are container from which glass may be fed in mold difficult of accomplishment andexpensive. Nor

5 charges, gathered, drawn or otherwise removed, is it practicable to provide a muffled construction 5 and for conditioning or reconditioning the glass in which the flow channel or conduit is made as it is conducted to such place of removal. up of separate sections joined together because It is desirable that molten glass fed from a such aconstruction necessarily resultsinthe prodelivery container in mold charges or otherwise vision of joints below the glass level. In a removed therefrom shall have a proper working muffled construction, the glass would seep 10 temperature and a uniform viscosity. It also is through these joints into the heating chamber. desirable that the glass passing from the supply An object of the present invention is to protank should be brought to the proper condition, vide a glass delivery apparatus of the mufded as to temperature and viscosity, as rapidly as type of construction but without the defects or l5 possible and in a minimum of space and then objectionable features of those previously prol5 maintained in that condition until fed or otherposed. wise removed from the delivery container. A further object of the invention is the pro- Itis usual to provide a continuous flow channel vision of a glass delivery apparatus having means along which molten glass passes from a melting for receiving glass from a melting tank or other tank to the delivery container and to enclose source of supply and for conducting the glass in 20 the space above such channel so as to permit a stream to a delivery container in such manner controlled heating or cooling of the glass in the that heat may be applied to the glass at all g channel. A stream of molten glass flowing along sides and over a surface of relatively great area, a continuous channel tends to flow more slowly thereby permitting the required conditioning of and to become colder at its bottom and sides, the glass rapidly and in a space of but relatively 25 thus producing the condition that is known in slight extent. the art as channeling." This condition is ob- A further object of the invention is to provide jectionable in that it tends to prevent uniformity a glass delivery apparatus having improved faof temperature and viscosity in the glass apcilities for regulably controlling the conditioning proaching the glass delivery point. Since heat or reconditioning of the glass as it is conducted 30 from the glass is dissipated through the walls from amelting tank to adelivery container. of the glass conducting channel and `theconcli- A further object of the invention is the protioning heat or temperature regulating medium vision of an improved glass delivery apparatus of is applied only to the top surface of the glass such construction as to permit the manufacture in the channel, it is difcult to bring the glass of the component glass conducting parts thereof 35 in the flow channel'to the proper condition as by the most improved known process and also to temperature and viscosity and to maintain easy assembly of the component parts of the apthat condition when obtained. paratus and replacement of any of such parts.

It also has been proposed to muflle Athe glass Other objects and advantages of the invention 40 conducting channel or conduit by enclosing it will become apparent from the hereinafter given 40 in a jacket or shell of refractory material spaced description of practical embodiments of such intherefrom to permit the walls of the channel to vention, when the description is considered in be heated. However, in attempting to provide conjunction with the accompanying drawings in a muffled glass flow channel or conduit, serious which such embodiments of the invention are difficulties are encountered. Included among illustrated. 45 such diiculties may be mentioned the imprac- Generally described, the invention contemticability of producing a monolithic refractory plates the provision of a series of separate shallow channel of suitable length that will be sufciently refractory trays through which molten glass flows durable and resistant to glass attack for the in a stream'from a short boot or extension of a service intended. Mechanical stresses,'unequal melting furnace, or other source of supply, to a 50 expansion and contraction in response to temdelivery container from which glass is to be fed, perature changes, spalling, etc., tend to cause gathered, or otherwise removed. The trays and cracks in and seriously impair a monolithic flow the `glass stream are muied by the refractory channel of suitable length, particularly if the walls of a conditioning chamber in which they walls thereof are thin, as is necessary for eiiicient are disposed. Provision is made for regulably 55 glass.

controlled heating or cooling of the trays and the glass stream. in the conditioning chamber.

The refractory trays may be spaced so that the glass stream includes a series of cascades as glass of the stream passes from each higher tray to the next lower tray and from the lowermost tray to the glass delivery container.

`The heated chamber in which the trays are disposed may be provided with a removable section to permit convenient installation of the trays, or removal and replacement of any of them.

The means for heating the conditioning chamber may be burners, electrical heating elements, or` any other known source of heat. The walls of the conditioning chamber may be provided with independently controlled ports, for the admission of controllable bodies of cooling uid or air and/or for controlled radiation of heat from the 'I'he respective trays may be made by hydraulic dry pressing' of the best obtainable materials and thus may be adapted for relatively long and eiicient use in the service for which they are intended.

In the drawings: 1

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one form of apparatus embodying the invention,

. showing one method of arranging the component Glass from each tray,

tially on the line 3-3 trays for conducting glass from the supply boot to a glass delivery container;

Fig. 2 is a reduced transverse section through the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, the view being taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a reduced transverse section substanof Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, showing a modied form of construction in which the trays are disposed in echelon and conduct glass from the source of supply toa rotary delivery container from which glass may be gathered by suction gathering molds, or other suitable known means; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view, showing glass conducting trays of a modied form arranged in superposed or nested relation.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to Fig. 1, thenumeral 1 designates a melting tank, or other source of supply of molten glass.

' In carrying out the invention,`I may'provide this melting tank with a short boot or lateral extension, such as indicated at 2, into which glass iiows from the tank. 'I'his boot is provided with an outlet 3 submerged by the glass therein. Flow of glass through the outlet may be regulated and controlled in any suitable known manner, as by a plug or valve 4, which may be reciprocated vertically or adjusted vertically with respect to the upper end of the discharge outlet to permit a predetermined regulable intermittent or continuous flow of glass from the outlet 3.

The glass flowing. from the outlet 3 is conducted to a delivery container 5 by a series of refractory trays or glass ow conducting members 6. These trays may be disposed in a substantially vertical series with the respective trays vertically spaced and slightly staggered, substantially as shown. Each of the trays may have an end wall thereof partially cut away at its upper edge to provide a glass ow outlet, as indicated at 7, Figs. 1 and2.

The adjacent trays preferably are arranged so that glass of the stream flows into each tray adjacent to the end thereof that is opposite to that which isprovided with the outlet 7. Adjacent trays are reversed with respect to each other. on passing through the outlet 7 of that tray, will fall in a cascade into the -therebelow. The lowermost tray of the series may be displaced laterally more than the remaining trays so that glass from the delivery end thereof may fall into the delivery container 5 when the latter is disposed out of vertical alignment with the series of trays.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1, the delivery container 5, the series of trays 6, and the outlet portion of the glass boot or tank extension 2, are all disposed within a conditioning chamber 9. This conditioning chamber is substantially vertical and the walls of the upper end portion thereof may be arranged to abut and cooperate with walls of the boot or extension 2 so that glass from the outlet 3 will issue therefrom into the upper end of the conditioning chamber. 'I'he respective trays 6 are supported within the conditioning chamber in any suitable manner, as by inwardly extending lugs, brackets, or blocks 10, on walls of the conditioning chamber. With the arrangement shown, the stream of glass from the outlet 3 of the boot will pass into the uppermost of the trays 6 and thereafter. glass will flow through the respective trays to the lowermost tray and thence into the delivery container 5. The latter may be located in a short lateral extension of the lower end portion of the conditioning chamber.

The delivery container 5 is shown as a feed bowl having an outlet opening 11 in its bottom. 'I'he outlet portion of this delivery container depends into a suitable opening 12 in the bottom wall of the conditioning chamber so that glass from the outlet of the delivery container may issue into suspension therefrom below the conditioning chamber. Supporting members, such as the blocks indicated at 13 and 14, Fig. 1, support the delivery container 5 in spaced relation with the adjacent walls of the conditioning chamber and so that the outlet portion of the delivery container is properly disposed with relation to the opening 12 in the bottom wall chamber. An overow spout 15 at the upper edge of the delivery container is located above an opening 16 in the bottom of the conditioning chamber. Should the level of the glass in the delivery container be unduly increased, the excess glass may flow through the overflow spout or waste outlet and thence downwardly through the opening l5 to a cullet receptacle (not shown) or any suitable means for disposing of such excess glass.

A refractory implement 17 is shown in Fig. 1 as depending into the outlet passage or well in the bottom of the delivery container for regulably controlling dischargeof glass from the outlet of the delivery container. A tube 18 of refractory material may depend into thel glass in concentric relation with the implement 17 for regulably controlling fiow of glass to the upper end of the outlet passage. The implement and the tube may be adjusted and/or operated by any suitable known means, many examples of which are known in the art. "In fact, any suitable known means may be employed to regulably control the discharge of glass from the outlet of the delivery container for the production of successive suspended mold charge masses or for any other known useful purpose.

The chamber 9 may be provided with any suitof the conditioning l able knownheating and/or cooling means for -conditioning the glass that 'is passing therewalls of the trays and such containers` Condiltioning of the glass to bring it to the proper through from the sourcev of supply to the glass delivery point. fIn the construction shown in Fig. 1. the side walls of the chamber Q-adjacent to the delivery container 5 are provided witlr openings, such as indicated at 19, Figs. 1 and 3,

through which iiames or gases in combustion 1 from burners 20, Fig. 3, may be 'discharged in proximity to the surface oi' the glass `inthe delivery container. Flames from the burners and/or gases heated thereby thus may heat not only the delivery container 5 and the glass therein but may "pass upwardly in the conditioning chamber and .heat practically the entire surfaces .of the' glass conducting trays, the glass therein and thel cascades of glass between the individual trays.v

Ports, such as indicated t 21', may'befpro'vided `in walls of the conditioning chamber`A for admit-l tingcooling uid or air to-dilyte the heated gases within athe conditioning chamber, 'to permit radiation of heat fromthe glass within theconditioning chambe and/or to regulably` control draft conditions therein. Preferably, these openings 21 are located at verticallyspaced in-- t tervals in the walls of the conditioning" chamber 'i of :the burners or 'other source of heat.'

' depth to.

5 across the 'trayand without permitting the acand may be locatedso that there wiil--be a port at approximately the'level of the glassin each of the trays. As shown, each of such ports, with the exception of that for the lowermost'tray, is

located adjacent to the delivery end of the corresponding tray. The volumes of cooling fluid ,cient to permit properand adequate condition- I 'ing of such glass. 1 f

or air or heated gases passing through'the ports 21 may-be independently and regulablycontrolled Draft conditions within the conditioning chamand/or cooling effects conditioning chamber by such adjustment of theshuttrs or dampers. together with or independently of adjustment The trays preferably are of suflicient retain therein sufficient glass to'flow ireeiy with' rearward out building upan appreciable levelgradient.

cumulation of stagnant glasstl'ierein'. A mixingl or homogenizing action plac'e in' the glass-in each tray.,"

The operation ofithe embodiment ofgthe in- .vention that has been described far may lbe,

- substantially asfollows:

-A regulated volumeof glass, may ow from vthe flowthe length l-of thetray and Voutlet 370i. the .boot or tankw extension Iinto the uppermost tray.

next tray of the series. Similar -iiowmovements trays. From the lowermost-tramglass will now in sheet form `into the delivery container,

t its passage between individual trays or receptaclasjthe glass is exposed at sides to heat from the heatingmediumfwithinthe conditionjing chamber 9. This heatingmedium also-af- :i fects the Ventire surface offthe glass in eachof the trays 91nd thedelivery container 'and the 6, ."Glass will flow thel length; fromthe loutlet7 thereof downi r ward1y'in a sheet into the-next tram `Grlass will of this tray through the outlet thereof and downwardlvin sheet form' to thev During working temperature and to produce uniform viscosity therein thus is facilitated. A portion ofthe wallof the conditioning -chamber may be made removable and replaceable so as to permit convenient installation and removal y and replacement of4 the respective trays. 'I'hese trays being small and compact, may be made by `hydraulic dry-`pressing of the best materials, or

by lany other suitable process for themaking -of high grade, and durable refractory products... When the conditioning chamber is'substantially vertical, as shown in Fig. 1, the delivery container may be disposed at a relatively sh'ort v distance llaterally from-the associated 4melting tank,

thuseffecting an economy in the use of licor-space.

of supply Yo`i!"molten glass `to the delivery point may be relatively short while the total length of ow\movement of theglass in passing from the source of supply to such delivery point is sumi In the construction snc'wn in Fig.' '41, the con# Also, the straight linedistance from the' source from the vertical. The upper end of this c onditioning chamber is supported in proper relationship to thewalls of the boot orl tank extension 2 so thatthe glass stream fromfthe b ootoutlet 31 will fall into the adjacent end oi the uppermost of a seriesof trays 25. These'trays'are arranged Vin echelon or ,stepped relation inthe condition-V ing chamber withthe lowermost tray arranged'to discharge a sheet o! glass into 1a delivery conel tainer 2 6 at the lower end o f the conditioning chamber.4 This delivery container" 2 6'maybea rotarybowl, assholwn, Rotary `motion may-be imparted thereto in any suitable known manner,

as by a drive gear 27 in mesh winni4 ring gear 2e on the rotary bowl.-

The trays 25 maybesuppl'ted in the con-, ditioning chamber 24 in 'spaced relation with the waus 'or theiatter by mutable supporting means.

In-'thearrangernent shown. blocks29 support/the ends of the respective trays. The forwardend of each of the trays, except the lower- ,n

most tray, rests upon`theadjac`ent end of the rim of the next lower tray. Ihe 'forward end portion of the lowermost tray is supported by a tioning chamber.

Each of the trays-25 has an' outlet 25a at the upper edge of its forward or delivery end. A depending lip 31 at the delivery end of each tray serves to guide the glass 4downwardly 'in' a sheet-T 'into the succeeding tray or receptacle. 'Ihe interior of the conditioning'chamber 24 may be heated' in any suitable knownmanner; `In Fig. 4, openings` are. shown at 32Qandv 33, through which burners may discharge-` rilaxnes'or gases in .combustion-intthe conditioning chamber `for heating the glass and .the trays, therein.;

.Thegwalls of4 the conditioning chamber above "the trays may be provided with ports, such as in- `'w1-u .take piace vmima between'tne succeeding fdiciedat 34,'indvendentlibntrlleii Windividual dampers. 35, for regulating heat and draft conditions vin different'parts of the conditioning chamber. g

4.A block', indicatedat36, 4in the top of the lower end portion of the'conditioning chamber and `above'the glass in the delivery container 26. may

be adjusted vertically, by turning'the'nut 37 (on the threaded adjusting rod38. A regulated ditioning chamber, designated' 24, is inclined 25.

50 wall structure 30 at the lower end of the condij livery container 26 from the space above the glass in the front or outer portion of such container. The glass in the front portion of the delivery container 26 may be covered by a cover member 40 having a suitable opening 41 therein through which a suitable gathering receptacle 42 may be dipped into glass gathering contact with the glass in the delivery container. The receptacle 42 may be a suction gathering mold of a suction fed glass glass to a cullet receptacle or any other,

forming machine. Any other suitable glass gathering receptacle or implement may be employed in any suitable known manner.' The baille 39` may be adjusted vertically, as by turning the nut 43 on the threaded adjusting rod 44, to vary interchange of heat between the space within the lower end of the conditioning chamber andthe space over the glass at the gathering station.

'I'he delivery container 26 is shown as having an upwardly extending curb 45 around a central opening 46 in its bottom. -'I'he glass level in the container 26 normally is below the level of the curb 45. However, should this level rise above the curb, the excess glass willfiow through the opening 46 and through an aligned opening ,in the supporting structure for the container26 to any suitable means, not shown, for conducting such place desired.

In the modified form of construction shown in Fig. 5, the respective trays47 are adapted vto be nested or arranged in superposed relation-with the bottom of one tray resting upon the upper edge or rim of the tray therebeneath. A vertical delivery passage 48 is formed at one end of each tray and terminates at its -lower end in thebore of a depending spout 49.- This spout depends into the underlying tray or other receptacle. The Wall between the delivery passage 48 and the glass receiving cavity or chamber of the tray is partly cut away at its upper edge to provide an outlet, such as indicated at 50, through which glass from the interior ofthe tray may ow into the delivery passage 48. Thence, the glass flows downwardly in a sheet through the spout 49 to the tray'or other receptacle therebeneath without passing outside the confines of the tray.

The respective trays 47 may be arranged in nested relation with the adjacent trays reversed with respect to each other, as shown. The glass passing into each tray lwill iiow longitudinally of that tray before entering the delivery passage.

thereof.

Trays of the form shown in Fig. may be disposed in any suitable conditioning chamber', such for example as that shown'in Fig. 1, and the glass therein brought to a condition of proper working temperature and uniform viscosity.

While the invention has been illustrated in\ the accompanying drawings as embodied in forehearth or glass delivery structures, it is to be un- .means for delivering a stream of molten glass `into one end of said conditioning chamber, a de livery containerfor receiving glass at the opposite end of said conditioning chamber, and means within said'conditioning chamber for receiving the stream of glass in said rst named end of said conditioning chamber and for'conducting glass of said stream in a sinuous path to said delivery container, said path having spaced portions in whichthe glass passes in opposite directions in said chamber.

2. Apparatus comprising a substantially vertical conditioning chamber, a source of supply of molten glass at the upper end of said conditioning chamber, aglass delivery container at the lower end ofsaid conditioning chamber, a series of shallowrefractory trays within'said conditioning chamber for receiving molten glass from said source of supply and for discharging a stream of molten glass into said delivery container, said trays having their glass conducting surfaces spaced vertically and being arranged in staggered relation within the conditioning chamber, adjacent trays of said series being reversed end for end so that the glass conducted by said trays is causedV to move horizontally in opposite directions within adjacent trays and vertically, cascade fashion, between adjacent trays.

3. In combination, a series of glass conducting trays in superposed relation, each ofsaid trays having a bottom surface adapted to rest on the rim of the next lower tray of the series, each of said trays having a vertical delivery passage at one end thereof, said delivery pass'age being formed for glass flow communication with the interior of the tray below the level of the rim thereof and terminating in a depending spout forconducting 'molten'glass downwardly below the level of the bottom of said tray, the adjacent trays of the series being reversed end for end.

4. The methodwhich'comprises introducinga stream of molten glass'into one end of a condi- 'ti'oning chambenconducting glass of the stream `longitudinallycf the conditioning chamber in a series of cascades alternating with oppositely directed substantially horizontal stretches of supported flowing g1ass,and subjecting the glass of said cascades and said stretches to a temperature influencing medium at substantially all sides thereof. Y

WILLIAM T. HONISS. 

